What's Homeopathy? How Can it Keep My Family Healthy?

Homeopath Shelley Keneipp, MH, is giving several classes on Homeopathy in October and November (see below) at New Leaf Community Markets. Shelley is the author of The Practical Guide to Homeopathy for Children: Keeping Your Family Healthy Naturally and Safely. She provided the following article.

Homeopathy 101

Homeopathy is a science of healing based on the principle that “like cures like.” Suppose a person has a cold with watery eyes and a burning nasal discharge. These manifesting symptoms represent the body’s attempt to restore itself to health. The homeopathic remedy Allium Cepa (Latin for onion) might be given because onion causes watery eyes and a burning nasal discharge. 

Less is More

In the case of homeopathy, “less is better and more powerful.” Remedies stimulate and strengthen the body’s vital force and help the body restore its balance through the use of a minute dose of a substance.

Homeopathy treats the whole person ─ physically, emotionally and mentally, and sees each person as an individual. Each of us suffers from health conditions in our own unique way. Homeopathy looks at a person’s unique symptoms: Chilly or hot? Nose running or stuffed up and what color is the discharge? Did the cold follow stress, anger, or loss of sleep? Homeopathic remedies are chosen based on the best match to the person’s unique set of symptoms and causation factors.   

Most homeopathic remedies are taken from plants, minerals and animals. Remedies are free of any toxic side-effects and safe and gentle enough for infants and children. No remedies have ever had to be taken off the market because of damaging side-effects. They are not addictive and never tested on animals. 

Dates Back Over 200 Years

Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician considered the father of Medicine, stated: “there are two ways of treating ill health: the Law of Opposites and the Law of Similars.” In 1796, a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann based his approach to healing on the principles of the Law of Similars set forth by Hippocrates, and homeopathy was born. The word “homeopathy” comes from the Greek words homoios and patheia which translates into “similar suffering.” 

200 years of clinical experience along with modern research published in The Lancet (10/86), Pediatrics (5/94), British Medical Journal (2/9/91) and British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (3/89 & 9/80) have confirmed homeopathy’s effectiveness, including double-blind clinical trials.  Homeopathy is advocated by the World Health Organization and its use is commonplace in countries around the world. Its use is growing rapidly in the U.S. American consumers of homeopathy date back to families journeying to the West in wagon trains, Mark Twain and John D. Rockefeller, Sr.

Upcoming Classes on Homeopathy for Family Health

Starting with newborns and progressing through the teen years, parents can use homeopathy to treat a wide range of acute conditions that arise in the family. From colic and teething, to earaches and sore throats, to diarrhea and vomiting, to first aid and minor injuries; and, perhaps, moodiness in teenagers, parents can utilize the effective and safe action of homeopathic remedies.

1. Homeopathy for Your Teenager -- Saturday, October 19, 2:00-3:30pm, Westside New Leaf, FREE. Preregistration required.

2. How to Use Homeopathy for Your Family: Weekend Intensive Course -- Saturday and Sunday, November 2 and 3, from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. $195.

3. Treating Your Family for Winter Ailments -- Saturday, November 16, 11 am – 12:30. FREE.

Classes will take place at the Westside New Leaf Community Markets, 1101 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz. Preregistration required. For more information about the class and preregistration, visit: www.newleafwestside.eventbrite.com or call 831-426-1306 ext. 0.